Northumberland Zoo becomes a charity
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Northumberland Zoo became a registered charity on 1 September 2026, following more than two years of work to complete the transition. Find out why we made the change, what it means for the zoo and how it will help us do more for animal welfare, conservation, education and our community.
Why did Northumberland Zoo become a charity?
Northumberland Zoo has grown significantly since it was established by the Bradley family in 2015. Becoming a registered charity represents the next step in that development, creating greater opportunities for the zoo to grow in line with its mission and long-term vision.
Becoming a charity does not alter what Northumberland Zoo stands for. Instead, it creates a structure that allows us to develop the work we have already been doing and increase our impact.
Our mission is to connect visitors and the wider community with wildlife, educate people about the environment and sustainability, and support conservation projects at home and abroad.
Our wider vision is to change perceptions towards wildlife and habitats, encouraging better decisions for the benefit of the environment and helping to create a more sustainable future.
What will becoming a charity allow us to do?
We want to increase our support for conservation programmes, including in-situ work to protect species in their natural habitats and ex-situ work supporting species outside their natural habitats. We are particularly committed to expanding our work in native species conservation in Northumberland, building on the work already underway and exploring new opportunities to support species and habitats closer to home.
Our existing work spans a range of conservation projects, from supporting Harvest Mice and White-clawed Crayfish in Northumberland, to international work supporting Livingstone's Fruit Bats, Snow Leopards and Servals.
Expand education
We want to develop more opportunities for people of all ages to connect with wildlife and learn about the natural world, through visits, school sessions, community engagement and digital education.
Build stronger partnerships
We want to strengthen the relationships we already have, while building new partnerships with organisations and communities working towards shared goals. By combining knowledge, skills and resources, we can create greater opportunities for conservation impact.
Build a sustainable future
Our long-term plans include developing an animal collection and facilities that are environmentally and economically sustainable, while continuing to provide high standards of animal husbandry and environments that allow animals to express natural behaviours.
Building on our progress
Becoming a charity follows a period of significant development for Northumberland Zoo. Over the last two years, the zoo has achieved accreditation with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), while continuing its membership of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
EAZA accreditation recognises zoos that meet rigorous requirements and demonstrate a commitment to high standards of animal husbandry, conservation, education and professional zoo management, above and beyond the required standards of practice. It also creates opportunities for Northumberland Zoo to contribute to international conservation and breeding programmes.
The zoo has also developed partnerships with organisations including Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Northumberland Rivers Trust, Dahari NGO and the Snow Leopard Trust, working together on conservation projects both locally and internationally. The zoo also supports the Servival Campaign, launched to ban the breeding of exotic felids with domestic cats within the UK.
These partnerships reflect the breadth of conservation work already taking place at Northumberland Zoo and provide a strong foundation for the charity's future ambitions.
What won't change?
Becoming a charity doesn't mean becoming a different zoo.
The values established by the Bradley family have been embedded within the charity's governing documents, helping to safeguard the vision that has shaped Northumberland Zoo as the organisation moves forward.
An independent Board of Trustees will steer the charity, carrying that vision forward alongside the team who work at the zoo every day.
Our commitment to high standards of animal husbandry, conservation and education will continue to guide our work.
The structure is changing, but our purpose remains the same.
What does becoming a charity mean for visitors?
For visitors, the zoo remains open as normal and memberships continue as usual.
You can still expect the same warm welcome and passionate team, with the same focus on creating meaningful experiences that connect people with wildlife.
As the charity develops, there will be more opportunities for visitors and the wider community to support and engage with our conservation and education work. Gift Aid will also become available once the necessary arrangements are in place, providing another way for eligible visitors to support the zoo.
What does this mean for the future?
Becoming a charity isn't the end of Northumberland Zoo's story. It's the beginning of a new chapter.
We want to build on what we've already achieved, creating new opportunities to increase our conservation impact, develop the ways we connect people with wildlife and strengthen our relationships with our local community and conservation partners.
The opportunity now is to do more of what we've always believed in.
Thank you for being part of the journey
None of this happens in isolation.
The Bradley family established the zoo, our team brings its values to life every day, and our visitors, members, supporters, partners and wider community have helped make the work possible.
Every visit, every conversation, every school session, every shared story and every connection with wildlife helps us reach more people and strengthen our impact.
Thank you for being part of Northumberland Zoo's journey so far.
We can't wait to see what we can achieve together in this next chapter.
